University of Hawai'i football coach June Jones branded as "an absolute lie" a report in the Los Angeles Daily News that he has let UCLA know he is interested in the Bruins' vacant head coaching position.

The newspaper reported Friday that its sources said Jones "is a candidate of interest for Bruins athletic director Dan Guerrero."

Jones said yesterday: "That's an absolute lie. That's all I've got to say."

Jones was in California last week for a television show.

Speculation about possible job options for Jones, including UCLA, has been rife as he counts down the final months on his current five-year contract that expires June 30, 2008.

UCLA fired head coach Karl Dorrell Monday after going 35-27 over five seasons. Dorrell received a reported $881,000 plus bonuses. Jones currently makes $800,016 plus bonuses. Half of his base salary is paid through donations, the school said.

Jones, with a 76-40 record, has won the most games of anyone at UH against an all-college schedule.

A group of prominent Hawai'i businessmen and UH boosters this past week assembled $100,000 in $2,000 donations from 50 individuals and companies to "thank and support" Jones, according to Walter Dods, one of the fundraisers.

The Warriors (12-0) will play Georgia (10-2) in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com.